Category:450 Bituminous Pavement Design

450.1 Asphalt Binder

Performance grade (PG) asphalt binders are identified by their desired "high temperature" (e.g. "64", "70", "76", etc.) and "low temperature" (e.g. "-22", "-28", "-34", etc.) characteristics. The temperature numbers represent Celsius degrees and are used in 6 degree increments. The high temperature value is associated with controlling rutting, while the low temperature value is associated with resisting cold weather cracking. The following table should be used as a guide to select asphalt binder grades for bituminous mixtures.

The low temperature number is to remain as indicated in the above table. The high temperature numbers have been set for the traffic loads and operation speeds normally associated with these corridors. The high temperature numbers are recommended minimums and are not to be reduced; however, may be raised to a PG 70-22 or PG 76-2, when deemed necessary, to accommodate actual or anticipated traffic conditions. Typically, the high temperature number should be raised one increment (6 degrees) when traffic speeds are expected to be in the range of 12 to 45 mph [20 to 70 km/h] and raised two increments (12 degrees) for extremely slow traffic of < 12 mph [20 km/h]. Typical candidates for these high temperature number raises are roadways with ADT greater than 3500 that are in a highly congested, urbanized area, have frequent stop and go traffic, or have steep grades with significantly slow traffic speeds. Use of any other PG asphalt binder must be approved by the State Construction and Materials Engineer.

If a higher type PG asphalt binder is warranted, it shall be used in the surface mixture and the first lift of the underlying mixture.

450.2 Mix Selection

The following table should be used as a guide in selecting the appropriate asphalt mix. See Thickness Determination for additional mix selection discussion regarding minor road spot improvements.

450.3 Layer Design

Minimum Lift Thickness

The minimum lift thicknesses for asphalt layers should be:

450.4 Level Course

All existing surfaces, both asphaltic and portland cement concrete, should be prepared either by milling or leveling course before the first full-thickness lift of asphalt is placed.

When used as a level course, the minimum lift thicknesses may be reduced as indicated below:

The level course can be one design level lower than the lift above it. For example, an SP level C design may be used to level under an SP level B overlay. A BP mix may be used to level under an SP Level C overlay.

450.5 Payment

Payment for asphaltic concrete by the square yard (m²) should only be used for full depth asphaltic concrete pavements on alternate bid projects. All other payment for asphaltic concrete should be by the ton (Mg). For preliminary design, estimate factors may be used to compute quantities for bases, flexible type pavements, seal coats, etc. For final design, the designer should request estimate factors for anticipated rock formations from the district operations engineer to obtain more reliable results. When payment is by the ton (Mg), estimate factors should be shown on the plans with a note "For Information Purposes Only." When payment is by the square yard [m²], estimate factors should not be shown on the plans.

450.6 Automatic Screed Control or Established Grade Reference

The standard specifications require the use of automatic screed controls with the sensor following a traveling reference plane. In some instances, such as a badly warped pavement or very poor riding condition, the use of an established grade reference may be desirable. If the established grade reference is desired, a special provision must be included in the contract requiring its use for the initial pass of the paver when placing the first continuous layer. The special provision may be modified to require the established grade reference for a portion of a project if necessary.

450.7 Commercial Mixtures

The standard specifications permit the use of approved commercial mixture for plant mix bituminous pavement and plant mix bituminous base course when so specified in the contract. Commercial mixtures are not permitted where Section 403 or Superpave mixtures are specified. Care should be exercised when setting up small quantities of asphaltic concrete in that it may be more desirable, all factors considered, to use plant mix bituminous pavement so that a commercial mixture can be permitted. The same mixtures specified for the traveled way should be placed on the shoulders. For projects with Type A2 shoulders to be built in conjunction with PCCP for the traveled way, specify PMBP over PMBB.